Harry Preston

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Harry at Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre on June 13th, 2019. Loving Father to Peter, Mary and Pat; devoted grandfather to Marlise and great grandfather to Gabriel, Marcello and Gemma; a faithful support to extended family and friends.

After a very full life, that was not without much adversity, he remained positive, forward thinking, engaged and full of optimism to the end.

At 18, he joined the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Winnipeg and in 1940 was attached to the 15th light anti-aircraft battery. After serving in England, protecting the coast from German raids, he was promoted to Sargent in charge of a Bofors gun crew. He was part of the Normandy invasion having landed in the 3rd wave. The guns were instrumental in aiding the Canadians to advance over 1 mile inland from Juno Beach. He and his crew fought through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany.

While on leave in England, he met his wife Phyllis who was serving with the Women’s Land Army. They married in Hemsworth, Yorkshire on Oct. 6th, 1945.

Returning to Toronto after the war, they settled and started to raise a family. Most of his working life was spent in the Post Office - a job he loved. He volunteered for many years after Phyllis died at Humber Hospital.

After a series of mini strokes, the last 4 years of his life were spent at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. We cannot say enough about the incredible care that he received there. Through the excellent medical care and creative therapies he was able to participate in, this last stage of his life continued to be meaningful and expansive. For this we will always be grateful to the excellent and caring staff and volunteers at the Veterans Centre.

Rest In Peace Old Gunner; you’ve done your duty.
May your accumulated good Karma serve you well on your next great adventure.